Nepheline Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth 2030

Nepheline Market Industry Perspective

The global nepheline market size was valued at $179.21 Million in 2022 and is anticipated to surpass $205.96 Million by the end of 2030. The market is projected to grow with a considerable CAGR of 2.2% during the forecast period.

The report is an in-depth study of growth factors, restraints, opportunities, and challenges in the market. It offers both quantitative and qualitative insights into global market dynamics.

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Nepheline Market: Overview

Nepheline is also referred to as nephelite or eleoite, which is extracted from rock associated with the feldspathoid group. It showcases the same structure as of tridymite mineral comprising two polymorph groups and aluminosilicate of potassium & sodium. It is adopted as an alternative in the process of manufacturing ceramic and glass. Nepheline syenite, nephelinites, and nepheline monzonite are different kinds in the market.

Nepheline syenite is a plutonic rock, and if the amount of sodic plagioclase leads to the amount of feldspar, then it is known as nepheline monzonite. Nephelinite is a fine aphanitic igneous rock made of pyroxene and nepheline. Nepheline syenite is massively utilized in making inks, plastics, adhesives, paints, and coatings due to its capability to enhance performance. Weatherability, tint retention, and brightness are some of the crucial parameters in exterior paints that are well satisfied by the nephron cyanide. Additionally, the wide adoption of nepheline syenite assists in achieving chemical & stain resistance, sheen uniformity, and color. Furthermore, it offers prolonged durability in interior paints.

COVID-19 Impact:

The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic has severely affected the growth of the global nepheline market as governments all around the globe declared worldwide lockdowns to contain the spread of the contagious virus. Laborers have migrated to their homes, leaving manufacturing units. Production and manufacturing units were shut down, and there were restrictions on transportation. These factors have negatively impacted the consumption pattern, particularly in the first and second quarters, but the lift of lockdowns and the stabilizing situation will help the global market to foresee the growth prospects in the forthcoming years.

Nepheline Market: Growth Drivers

High demand for ceramics from the end-user sector is a key factor fueling the growth of the global market.

The demand for ceramics from major end-user sectors like medical, construction, electrical & electronics is surging with time. Nepheline is widely used in manufacturing specialty glass, fiberglass, dinnerware, and other kinds of glass, which in turn is fueling the growth of the global nepheline market exponentially. Furthermore, the high demand for nepheline as a major raw material in the manufacturing of ceramics, particularly in floor tiles, kitchen fixtures, and bathroom fixtures, is expected to propel the requirement for ceramics from end-sectors.

Nepheline syenite holds a high content of sodium oxide and potassium. It lowers the melting temperature while reacting in a glass furnace with quartz. It is also rich in alumina. Commercial products made from nepheline syenite are crystalline silica free. Therefore, it is consumed in lower quantities when compared to feldspar. Furthermore, it helps in improving the quality of end products and reducing energy consumption. Also, it is used as a transparent filler in adhesives & sealants, plastics, and paint coatings due to its low refractive index. It also facilitates ease of maxing, optimum particle shape, improved palate flow, and better flatting efficiency in the coating process.

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Nepheline Market: Restraints

Recycling glass products is a big restraining factor in the global market.

Sustainability principles are hampering the growth of the global market. Recycling glass products are quite expensive and time-consuming. Therefore, it is expected to be a huge restraining factor for the growth of the global nepheline industry.

Nepheline Market: Opportunities

The fast proliferation of the end-users sector in emerging economies will offer growth opportunities in the global market.

The end-user sector like ceramics, glass, paints & coatings, and others are growing fast in the present economies. Additionally, the nepheline market players engaging in these sectors are moving strategically in the global nepheline market, thereby trying hard to expand the market base and generate huge revenue in the market. Therefore, such initiatives are likely to create huge growth opportunities in the global market in the forthcoming years.

Nepheline Market: Challenges

Growing prices of raw materials are a huge challenge faced by the global market.

Constantly growing prices of fuel oil, propane, and natural gas are likely to hinder the growth of the global market in the forthcoming years. Surging transportation costs is another major challenge impacting the growth of the global nepheline market.

Nepheline Market: Segmentation

The global nepheline market can be segmented into product, application, and region.

Based on product type, the market is segmented based on nepheline syenite, nepheline monzonite, And nephelinites. The nepheline syenite segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is further projected to cite the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly because nepheline syenite is the most commonly used type of nepheline and is widely used in the production of ceramics, glass, and concrete. Its unique properties, such as high alkali and low iron content, make it suitable for various applications. The demand for nepheline syenite is expected to increase due to its increasing use in the construction and packaging industries, as well as in the production of high-performance ceramics. These factors drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

Based on application, the market is segmented into ceramic product, glass product, and refractories. The glass product segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is further predicted to grow remarkably at a dominant CAGR during the forecast period. This is mainly because glass products are used in various industries such as automotive, construction, electronics, packaging, and solar energy, among others. The increasing demand for advanced glass products such as smart glass, tempered glass, and laminated glass in the construction and automotive industries is expected to drive the demand for glass products. The growth of the solar energy industry is also driving the demand for glass products in the form of solar panels, which require high-quality glass for improved energy efficiency. These factors drive the growth of the segment during the forecast period.

Recent Developments

• In 2020, I-Minerals, a US-based company specializing in industrial minerals, announced the completion of a feasibility study for its Bovill Kaolin Project, which includes the production of nepheline syenite as a by-product. The study aimed to assess the technical and economic viability of the project and identify potential opportunities for growth in the nepheline market.
• In 2020, Sibelco, a dominant player in industrial minerals, announced the acquisition of Viaton Industries Limited, a UK-based company specializing in ceramic products. The acquisition aimed to strengthen Sibelco's position in the ceramics market and expand its product portfolio to include high-performance ceramic materials.
• Unimin Corporation, in January 2018, invested million-dollar to modernize its Canadian nepheline operations. The modernization led to the optimization of innovative technologies and practices to lower lighting, noise, dust, electricity, and use of water and will offer improved capabilities to serve ceramics, glass, coatings, and polymers markets.

Nepheline Market Report Scope:

Nepheline Market: Regional Landscape

Asia Pacific to lead the global market during the forecast period

Asia Pacific accounts for the largest share in the global nepheline market due to the presence of leading economies like India and China. These regions are considered to be the largest manufacturers of ceramic tiles in the region. Additionally, the surge in the consumption and production of ceramic tiles, particularly in Vietnam, is another factor in maintaining the demand for nepheline. However, North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the global market due to the presence of a number of nepheline syenite deposits in the region.

Nepheline Market: Competitive Landscape

Some of the significant players in the global nepheline market include:

• North Cape Minerals AS
• Fineton Industrial Minerals Ltd.
• The Quartz Corporation
• LB Minerals Ltd.
• Pacer Minerals LLC
• Geominerals Corp.
• Eti Maden
• Gimpex Ltd.
• Sino-North Enterprises
• EuroChem
• I-Minerals
• The 3M Company
• SCR Sibelco
• Anyang Country Mining Co. Ltd.
• Anglo Pacific Minerals Ltd.
• Phos Agro Group of Companies Unimin Corp. (COVIA)
• AGSCO Corporation.

The global nepheline market is segmented as follows:

By Product Type

• Nepheline Syenite
• Nepheline Monzonite
• Nephelinites

By Application

• Ceramic Product
• Glass Product
• Refractories

By Region

• North America
  • The U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • France 
  • The UK
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Rest of Latin America
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa